Movement and sales of dogs through “rescue channels” continues to explode. While more and more cities and states are restricting sales of dogs in pet stores to those obtained from animal shelters and rescue groups, the actual source of these dogs remains obscure. Yet, there is mounting evidence that movement through “rescue channels” includes individuals or organizations involved merely for the profit, hence the name “Retail Rescue.” The dogs may be coming from the very same unscrupulous dog breeders these laws are intended to put out of business.

Not many states track the importation of dogs for adoption into their states, but those that do, shed some light on the enormity of this issue.

In 2012[1]

7,450 rescue dogs were imported into New Hampshire 15,000 dogs were imported into Connecticut through “rescue channels” 90,000 dogs were received in Colorado 130,000 dogs were received in Virginia

The numbers from New Hampshire and Connecticut represent dogs imported through rescue channels.